Chapter 3

Summary

Evan navigates life in his Indigenous community as winter approaches. He reflects on the unreliable technology, his connection to family, and his identity as a 'rez lifer.' Evan helps his father tan a moose hide, a task steeped in tradition, while sharing quiet moments and listening to his father's unusual dream about a fire. The dream stirs unease, but their bond over hunting, family, and the land remains strong. The script captures a deep connection to culture, family dynamics, and the subtle tension between modernity and tradition.

Takeaways

• 🌅 Evan enjoys a mostly sunny fall, delaying the onset of winter.
• 📱 Despite owning a new phone and TV, Evan is frustrated as they are not working due to likely poor receivers on the reservation.
• 🎣 Evan grabs moose meat from his fridge and heads to his parents' place, reflecting on his love for the community and the land.
• 📻 Evan listens to the local radio station, Res 98.1 FM, enjoying the small comforts it brings amidst other technology failures.
• 🏒 Evan passes by the empty rink, reminiscing about how things have changed since his childhood.
• 👷 Evan has chosen to stay on the reservation, working in infrastructure with his father after high school, rather than pursuing further education.
• 👨‍👦 Evan and his father bond over traditional tasks like tanning a moose hide, enjoying silent moments of connection.
• 🚬 Both men take a break, smoking cigarettes in silence, feeling a sense of quiet pride and companionship.
• 💭 Evan's father shares a vivid dream about a fire and a group of hunters, including Evan, looking weak and hungry, hinting at potential hardship or challenges ahead.
• 😂 Despite the tension from the dream, they end the interaction with playful banter, showcasing the strong bond between father and son.

Q & A

What is the significance of Evan's reflection in the television?

Evan's reflection in the television symbolizes his frustration with modern technology. Both his phone and TV, which he had purchased in the spring, are now useless, reminding him of the limitations and disruptions in his rural life.

Why does Evan feel uneasy about the internet, phone, and TV being down at the same time?

Evan feels uneasy because the simultaneous failure of the internet, phone, and TV reminds him of the community's reliance on modern technology, which is not as reliable in remote areas. This sudden breakdown makes him uncomfortable, even though such disruptions are less frequent now than before.

What role does the radio station Res 98.1 play in Evan’s community?

Res 98.1 is the community radio station that plays a significant role in keeping residents informed and entertained. It mostly broadcasts pre-programmed playlists, community announcements, and weather updates. It's one of the few things still functioning, adding comfort during the technology outage.

How does Evan’s relationship with his father, Dan, evolve during their work together?

Evan and Dan share a quiet, intimate bond built on mutual respect and understanding. Their work together on tasks like tanning moose hides is characterized by comfortable silences and a focus on getting the job done. This shared time deepens their relationship without the need for many words.

What is the meaning behind Dan’s dream and why does it disturb Evan?

Dan's dream involves a field on fire and members of their community standing around it, looking weak and hungry. The dream likely reflects deeper fears of scarcity and the loss of their traditional way of life, which disturbs Evan, especially when his father mentions that Evan looked scared in the dream.

Why does Evan avoid post-secondary education after high school?

Evan avoids post-secondary education because he feels a strong attachment to his community and the land. He prefers the familiarity and comfort of the 'rez' and has no desire to move to a larger town or city for further education.

What is the significance of the moose meat in Evan’s trip to his parents' home?

The moose meat symbolizes the importance of hunting and self-sufficiency in Evan’s community. He brings the meat to share with his parents, emphasizing their reliance on traditional practices like hunting for sustenance.

How does the script portray the sense of community in Evan’s life?

The script portrays a close-knit community where information travels quickly through informal channels, like the 'moccasin telegraph.' Evan is connected to his family and friends, and there is a shared reliance on traditional practices and communal resources.

Why does Evan's mother, Patricia, feel frustrated about the internet being down?

Patricia is frustrated because she is unable to check her email and participate in her favorite online Euchre tournament. This represents her growing reliance on technology, even in this remote community.

What does the scene with Evan and his father smoking symbolize?

The smoking scene between Evan and his father symbolizes their bond and shared moments of reflection. It’s a quiet ritual where they connect without needing to say much, underscoring the unspoken understanding between them.